Multiple-metered self-cleaning dispenser

Abstract

A method for dispensing a plurality of metered doses of a fluid, comprising: providing a fluid in a container comprising a plurality of metering chambers and a plurality of tubes connectable to and movable relative to the chambers, wherein the tubes are externally open or open to the fluid; connecting to the chambers tubes open to the fluid, thereby loading the chambers with fluid; and selectively connecting one or more externally open tubes to one or more chambers, thereby dispensing the fluid contents of the one or more chambers via an external opening.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention generally relates to fluid dispensers. Some embodiments of the invention relate to apparatus and methods for dispensing preset quantities, wherein some embodiments further relate to self-cleaning dispensers.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Fluid dispensers are commonly found in household or engineering applications such as perfume bottles, cosmetic foams, pharmaceuticals, disinfectant or oil or paint dispensers or others such as aerosol canisters.[0003]Typically a fluid in a container is pushed out due to a pressurized propellant such as a gas pre-filled or pumped into the container, or the fluid is drawn out by a pump or a squeeze.[0004]In some ordinary cases the dispensers have a continuous operation, that is, as long as a release valve is activated the fluid is expelled. In other cases the dispensers operation is intermittent, that is, some volume is delivered in a manner responsive to pumping or squeezing.[0005]In some applications, for ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]In some embodiments of the invention, the structure and / or mechanism for fluid dispensing and / or self-cleaning is simple or plain, at least relative to the structure and / or mechanism of some other multi-dose and / or self-cleaning dispensers known in the art. Optionally, the structure and mechanism fit into existing containers or bottles, possibly by providing a suitable lid or modifying the design or structure of an existing lid.

[0016]A potential operational advantage of dispensers according to some embodiments of the invention is that no maneuvering or changing the position of the dispenser and / or the hands and / or the fingers is required in order to discharge a particular dose or doses or self-cleaning.

Problems solved by technology

Often, after dispensing a fluid, some fluid residues remain in the nozzle and may dry out or otherwise change, resulting in clogging or obstructing the passage of fluid in and out of the nozzle.

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